Back in the day

Rizal, a Philippine nationalist, author, and physician, was just a young man when he published his first novel, a diatribe against Spanish administration and the religious orders in the Philippines. Spanish officials, angered by the book's insulting symbolism, forced Rizal to leave his homeland. When Rizal returned to Manila five years later, he was arrested, tried, and executed for treason. His martyrdom incited a full-scale rebellion against Spanish rule. How many languages did Rizal speak?

Feature

On September 5, 2005, a Jakarta-bound jetliner operated by Mandala Airlines crashed into a heavily populated residential area mere seconds after taking off from Polonia International Airport. At least 39 people on the ground and 104 passengers reportedly died in the incident. The plane had been inspected only a few months earlier and was deemed airworthy. Some suspect that the crash resulted from illegal overloading of the flight. Who supposedly brought more than two tons of fruit onboard?

Born on a day like today

Tojo was the 40th prime minister of Japan. His accession marked the final triumph of the military faction that advocated war with the US and Great Britain. As the most powerful leader in the government during WWII, he approved the attack on Pearl Harbor and pushed the Japanese offensive in China, SE Asia, and the Pacific. Tojo resigned after a string of military failures and later attempted suicide. He was arrested by the Allies and tried, convicted, and executed for what war crimes?